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- Tasks: Lead and shape the commercial strategy for a top independent school group.
- Company: Join Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, awarded Independent School of the Year 2025.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, professional development, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a vibrant educational community focused on growth and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial operations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This national recognition reflects our long-term commitment to social impact and the deep, sustained collaborations we continue to build with our state sector partners. It is an exciting and proud moment to be joining our community.
Shape the future of commercial strategy in one of the UK’s leading independent school groups. Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools (Habs) brings together two exceptional schools on a vibrant, co-educational campus for ambitious and inquisitive pupils aged 4–18. Known for academic excellence and consistently outstanding outcomes, Habs has received multiple national accolades, including Independent School of the Year – Overall Winner. We are also on an exciting journey of growth, having recently welcomed Lochinver House School in Potters Bar and St Martin’s School in Northwood into our family of schools. This expansion reflects our long-term vision to build a group of exceptional schools united by ambition, opportunity and impact.
The Opportunity
We are now seeking an outstanding Senior Commercial Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our commercial strategy across the Habs family. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a commercially astute and entrepreneurial leader to make a lasting impact. You will lead the development of a sustainable, forward-thinking commercial model—maximising the potential of our impressive campus, strengthening partnerships, and driving both income generation and cost efficiencies. Blending strategic oversight with hands‑on leadership, this role will suit someone who thrives on turning ideas into action and building something meaningful.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and deliver the overarching commercial strategy across Habs
- Expand and strengthen lettings partnerships to generate sustainable income
- Identify and develop new commercial opportunities aligned with our values
- Evaluate business proposals, providing clear, data-driven recommendations
- Monitor performance, ROI, and profitability across commercial activities
- Develop innovative income streams beyond traditional lettings
- Design and implement robust procurement frameworks and policies
- Manage key supplier relationships across major spend areas (e.g. catering, transport, IT)
- Lead negotiations, contract management, and performance evaluation
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and shared services across the group
- Stay ahead of market trends to drive innovation and value
- Work closely with senior leaders across Finance, Estates, Marketing and Partnerships
- Present insights and recommendations to the HESTL Board
- Line manage and develop the Commercial Manager
- Champion a collaborative, cost‑conscious and forward‑thinking culture
About You
You are an ambitious and strategic commercial leader who enjoys working both at pace and with purpose. You bring a strong blend of analytical thinking, relationship‑building and delivery focus. We’re particularly interested in candidates who:
- Have significant experience in commercial operations, procurement or project management
- Hold an MCIPS qualification with at least 5 years’ post‑qualified experience
- Are highly numerate, with a proven track record of generating income or delivering cost savings
- Think entrepreneurially and can spot opportunities others might miss
- Are confident working with and influencing senior stakeholders
- Bring a structured, solutions‑focused approach to complex challenges
- Understand (or are excited to learn about) the independent education sector
What we offer
- A competitive salary of £60,000 to £70,000 a year, commensurate with the candidate’s experience
- Private Pension Scheme through Aegon with generous employer contributions
- Additional life assurance cover
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support and advice
- Extensive professional development training opportunities
- Discount on school fees for children at any of the Elstree Schools (fee remission set at time of child joining)
- Free lunch and refreshments
- Free onsite parking and access to travel on the schools extensive coach network
- Free access to state‑of‑the‑art sports facilities including the gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes
- Wellbeing initiatives and programmes, such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks
- Access to an online GP service, providing quick and convenient healthcare advice
- Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform, featuring discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources
- Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme and other green travel incentives including Octopus Electric Vehicles
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Senior Commercial Manager employer: Haberdashers' Elstree Schools
Contact Detail:
Haberdashers' Elstree Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Habs. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Habs thoroughly. Understand their values, recent achievements, and future goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your entrepreneurial spirit! Be ready to discuss how you've identified opportunities in past roles and how you can bring that innovative mindset to Habs. They’re looking for someone who can think outside the box and drive commercial success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Habs family and contributing to their exciting journey of growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial operations and procurement. We want to see how your skills align with our vision at Habs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision-making, be sure to include examples of how you've used analytics to drive income or cost savings in your previous roles. We love numbers, so let them do the talking!
Demonstrate Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead with purpose and inspire others. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed teams or projects, and how you’ve fostered collaboration and innovation in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haberdashers' Elstree Schools
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Habs' current commercial strategy and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their partnerships and income generation methods. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their future.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data-driven recommendations to influence business decisions. Highlight your experience in evaluating proposals and monitoring performance, as this aligns closely with what they’re looking for in a Senior Commercial Manager.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
Think of instances where you've successfully built partnerships or managed key supplier relationships. Be ready to share how you’ve navigated negotiations and contract management, as strong interpersonal skills are crucial for this role.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current trends in the independent education sector and be prepared to discuss how these could impact Habs. Showing that you’re proactive about market insights will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can drive innovation and value.